Winter, especially as we approach the shortest day, is a season of darkness. The grey skies and cold temperatures aren’t conducive to life and joy. You may also feel that the current outlook on life in general reflects this bleak outlook. In many ways the account of the birth of Jesus also came at a time that was a grim outlook for the nation of Israel. Roman occupation, religious oppression, political unrest, a dark era.
What do we do when darkness encroaches? We turn on the light, we reach for the torch or light switch. So the question is, “Is there any light in the darkness”?
In short, the answer is yes! In fact the whole narrative of the birth of Jesus is about light coming into a dark world.
John, a follower of Jesus wrote this about his arrival “John 1:9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”
Jesus said of himself “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
If we dial in a bit on our own personal situation and forget the more global matters on hand – wars and rumors of wars, my question for us all , is are you enduring a winter season of darkness in your life? Do you feel in the old, under pressure and lacking joy?
This time of year can be filled with great joy and laughter for some, but alternatively it can be a lonely time of sadness and exclusion for others. The very things our world pushes at us to bring joy, we all know a futile and empty. Gifts, experiences, parties, they endure for a short period and leave us with the same situation we entered them.
So, where do we find light – well, we find light in the one who cam as light! We can find deep joy when we turn to the light giver. Not a popular truth these days, however it is truth! John records this about Jesus.
He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
At Life Church, we recognise that we could only get out of our darkness through believing in Jesus – the Light! Together we encourage, help and support each other in our journey of following Jesus, allowing Him to shape our lives and then encouraging others to join us on that journey. At the end of 2024, are you ready to begin a journey that leads you into the light? If so, why noy contact us and we will do all we can to help you, or better, why not join us at one of our meetings?
Our prayer for you, is that you do see the great light and avoid the plan of the enemy of your soul to keep you in darkness.